In football, some of the most electrifying plays start small and end big. Think of that short screen pass that turns into an 80-yard sprint to the end zone. That extra burst of speed, the vision to find open space, and the ability to break tackles lead to big gains. This is captured in a stat known as Yards After Catch (YAC).
For elite receivers, it’s not just about making the catch, it’s about what they do next.
The same is true for financial advisors who switch broker-dealers.
Making a move to a new firm is the catch. What separates good advisors from great ones is how much they grow their business after the move, their “Yards After Catch.”
The Move is Just the Start
When an advisor changes broker-dealers, it sets up an opportunity for better tech, more flexible client solutions, branding freedom, and often a fresh narrative to share with clients. But not every advisor turns that opportunity into growth.
“Advisors need to know that the size of the check is just one part of the transition decision,” says Chris Stacey, COO of 3xEquity. “Offers are still very lucrative right now, but the extra yardage comes from how a firm can help you grow and achieve your goals. Ultimately, that ongoing support and growth potential could be even more valuable than the initial transition package. At 3xEquity, we help advisors ask the right questions and understand how the answers apply to their specific circumstances.”
Industry studies show that successful advisors typically grow their AUM by 10 to 30 percent within 12 to 24 months of making a move. The best performers often exceed that, gathering new assets and strengthening client relationships faster than they ever could have before.
The move gets you the ball. What you do with it determines how far you will go.
Which Firms Create the Most Yards After Catch?
Some broker-dealers and RIA platforms are simply better at setting advisors up for success after a move. They provide better “blocking,” smoother onboarding, strong operational support, superior client-facing technology, and marketing resources to help advisors build momentum.
Elite RIAs and hybrid models often produce the highest YAC, giving advisors maximum flexibility and entrepreneurial control. Larger, national broker-dealers create strong YAC potential by combining scale with robust platforms and technology. Boutique firms deliver white-glove onboarding and prestige, often leading to an influx of new high-net-worth clients.
Having a transition consultant on your side can help streamline the process, helping you identify the right fit based on your specific goals. 3xEquity enables you to explore your options while remaining 100 percent anonymous, ensuring ultimate flexibility and efficiency with your time. Click here to learn more and secure multiple offers
Player Profiles: Real Yards After Catch Stories
Player Profile #1: The Veteran Playmaker
- Background: $120M AUM wirehouse advisor, 18 years in the business.
- Move: Transitioned to top name, resources-rich BD.
- Result: Retained 92 percent of clients and grew AUM by 25 percent within 18 months.
- YAC Factors: Used tools, support, and solutions from new BD to free themselves up to focus on growing their client base.
Player Profile #2: The Rising Star
- Background: $45M AUM independent advisor looking to scale.
- Move: Shifted to a boutique independent BD offering stronger marketing support.
- Result: Retained 88 percent of clients and grew AUM by 40 percent within 15 months.
- YAC Factors: Took advantage of marketing resources to create a webinar series, leading to new client acquisitions and deeper wallet share from existing relationships.
How to Maximize Your Yards After the Catch
If you are considering a move, or have recently made one, here are the keys to maximizing your post-move growth:
- Communicate Early and Often: Clients should feel like they are part of your journey, not bystanders.
- Rebrand and Relaunch: Use the move as a reason to refresh your brand and service offering.
- Use the New Tools: Better tech, better planning capabilities, and better communication tools need to be front and center.
- Market Aggressively: Announce your move, your new capabilities, and how it benefits clients. Do not be shy.
- Focus on Client Wins: YAC is not only about growth metrics. Use your new platform’s technology, planning tools, and service improvements to deliver a smoother experience for clients. Happier clients mean stronger retention and more referrals.
Do You Have a YAC Mentality?
In today’s competitive environment, making the move to a new firm is important, but it is what you do after the move that defines your success.
The best advisors have a YAC mentality. They see the move not just as a cash event, but as a gateway to greater growth. They sprint ahead, building bigger businesses, deepening client loyalty, and setting themselves up for long-term wins.
If you are considering a move, ask yourself: Am I just trying to make the catch? Or am I ready to take off down the field?
Need help designing the right move? At 3xEquity, we specialize in helping advisors catch the ball and rack up serious Yards After Catch. Let’s talk about where you want to go, and how we can help you get there.
Click here to now to get started.
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